Partial Dismantling Device for Photovoltaic Module Recycling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current recycling methods for photovoltaic modules are inefficient in separating and classifying elements, particularly when the module has a damaged glass substrate, leading to damage to the dismantling device and failure in maintaining the module shape during the recycling process.
Innovation Solution
A partial dismantling device equipped with a sensor unit for defining grinding regions, multiple level grinders for precise separation of element layers, and a suction unit with cyclones for detailed classification of particles, allowing for the separation and classification of photovoltaic module elements in a single process while protecting the glass substrate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a rotary brush is used to separate the photovoltaic module irrespective of element layer types, then the separation process is simplified, but the film of the photovoltaic cell is removed without maintaining the shape of the module, causing damage to the dismantling device
Solution Approach 1:
The photovoltaic module is divided into distinct element layers (glass substrate, photovoltaic cells, back sheet) that are ground and separated individually. Each layer is targeted by specific grinding operations at different heights, allowing systematic separation without damaging the overall structure or device
Solution Approach 2:
The separation process transitions from a horizontal brush-based approach to a vertical multi-level grinding system. By operating grinders at different heights (first grinder at higher level, second grinder at lower level), the system achieves layer-by-layer separation while maintaining module shape and protecting the glass substrate
2Productivity
If the photovoltaic module is ground without distinguishing element layers, then the dismantling process is faster, but the classification of particles for recycling is ineffective
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit performs preliminary detection of element layer heights before grinding begins. This pre-measurement allows the system to configure the grinding heights of multiple grinders in advance, ensuring that each layer is ground to the appropriate degree for optimal particle classification and recycling
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple mechanical grinding with a sensor-controlled multi-level grinding system. Sensors detect the height and position of different element layers, and this information is used to automatically adjust grinder heights and operating parameters, achieving both high-speed processing and precise particle classification
3Productivity
If the glass substrate is ground along with other elements, then the recycling process is more uniform, but the glass pieces damage the dismantling device
Solution Approach 1:
The second grinder is configured to perform partial grinding of the glass substrate rather than complete removal. By controlling the grinding depth to be less than the full thickness of the glass substrate, the system recycles other elements effectively while leaving the glass substrate intact, preventing glass shards from damaging the device
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device enhances recycling efficiency by precisely separating and classifying photovoltaic module elements, including damaged glass substrates, reducing damage to the device and improving the selection of reusable components, thus expanding the scope of recyclable targets.
Implementation Method 1
a sensor unit for distinguishing grinding heights of the photovoltaic module arranged on the transfer unit
Implementation Method 2
a grind unit provided with a plurality of grinders in multiple levels, to grind the element layers of a grinding region into particles of collectible forms
Implementation Method 3
a suction unit provided with a plurality of inhalers respectively corresponding to the plurality of grinders, to classify the particles pulverized by the grind unit and to inhale the same
Implementation Method 4
a suction unit with cyclones for detailed classification of particles
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a partial dismantling device of a photovoltaic module capable of classifying and collecting the photovoltaic module for recycling the photovoltaic module which includes: a transfer unit for transferring a photovoltaic module; a grind unit provided with a plurality of grinders in multiple levels, to grind the element layers of a grinding region into particles of collectible forms; and a suction unit provided with a plurality of inhalers respectively corresponding to the plurality of grinders, to classify the particles pulverized by the grind unit and to inhale the same.